How I Discovered the Career I Was Born For
May 22, 2011
The following is an article that I was invited to contribute to More.com about my reinvention from advertising executive into author of Professional Destiny.Something was missing inside.
It was at that time that I began to yearn to move from a life of success to a life of significance.”
This moment on my porch in Boulder began my search for my “professional destiny.” Although I was successful by all outward measures, I couldn’t help but feel that there was something bigger I was meant to do. I had a purpose to fulfill and needed to find it. The search became my mission. It took several years (with a few detours along the way!) for me to transition from a marketing and advertising executive to an author, speaker and coach. But that poignant moment marked the beginning of a wonderful, challenging and fulfilling journey. It was my time of rediscovery and reinvention.
This story was originally published on More.com
I became fascinated by the idea that there’s an “ideal career” for everyone, but only a small percentage of us manage to find it. I came to realize that for many, true fulfillment only comes after some period of disappointment or disenchantment—and I had mine on the porch. I started questioning people to see if I could find any common traits among those who had a real passion for their work and discovered that the most highly motivated and fulfilled were those who were making use of their natural gifts. In effect, they were working in the career they were born for. For these people, work isn’t about money or title. It’s about satisfaction, empowerment, feeling energetic about their work, making an impact, fully exercising a talent and inspiring others.
The journey is not for the faint of heart. It may mean leaving a familiar sense of security and stability. It may mean leaving behind an impressive title or professional identity. Almost always, it means venturing into the unknown. But if your days become routine and you find yourself in a position that saps your spirit, the move to energizing, fulfilling work is well worth it. There is a difference. A job is something we do to earn a living, our “professional destiny” is a mighty undertaking that challenges us, taps into our creative energy and reawakens our spirit. Our passion and creativity are ignited. If we’re not feeling it today, perhaps it’s a call for reinvention!
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5 Comments Leave a Comment
1. John Murphy | October 29, 2009 at 3:23 am
I’ve been sitting on the porch for ten years. Tell me why your book will get me off the porch.
2. Ann Bradford | October 29, 2009 at 8:58 am
I am a graduate of the GSB, 1981. I have not read your book but agree with what you wrote in this article. I am working on a transition that has lasted a long time due to family issues. What I wanted to say was that you concept is also spiritual– the notion of baptismal covenant is that we were born with a purpose. Hence, there is a coming to awareness of the divine in us that goes along with the discovery you are describing.
Ann
3. Valerie Hausladen | October 29, 2009 at 9:14 pm
@John: My book will get you off the porch if you’re ready–and at ten years, it’s probably a good time to be ready! The journey into your Professional Destiny and finding a true purpose in what you do is NOT for the faint of heart. You can expect challenges and a lot of fear, uncertainty and doubt. I talk candidly about my own experiences with this so you know what to expect and share amazing stories of people who have done it! If you need some inspiration, read it and let me know what you think. Enjoy the journey!
4. Valerie Hausladen | October 29, 2009 at 9:19 pm
@Ann: I totally agree with you — finding your purpose is definitely spiritual, and so deeply rewarding. The introduction of my book talks about the spiritual nature. If you want to see it, check it out in Amazon’s “Look Inside” the book feature. I think you’ll enjoy. Thanks for writing!
5. ashley | May 23, 2011 at 10:18 am
I got off the porch in Dec 2010 when I enrolled in my health coaching program. Nothing has ever felt so right for me in my entire life. I’ve worked in various jobs for 14 years-small businesses, large organizations, for-profit & non-profit, and even staying home with my kids–and have always wondered why after a year or two I felt unhappy, bored, restless, and unfulfilled. I thought something was wrong with me. Now I can see that as great as some of these jobs were, I simply wasn’t passionate about them. They weren’t my “professional destiny”. You’re right that it’s not for the faint of heart…there’s so much personal vulnerability involved with living your passion. And it’s definitely spiritual, as you’re tapping into the deeper parts of you that connect you to your highest power. If you’re not used to doing that it can be overwhelming. But I’m already reaping the results of pointing myself in the direction of my passion & moving steadily forward. I can only imagine how great it will be when I can immerse myself in it 100%!
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